Coronation Street & EastEnders Win Big at Inside Soap Awards 2025

The Inside Soap Awards 2025 delivered a night of unforgettable triumphs, fierce rivalries, and emotional celebrations, as the best-loved soap operas battled it out for television’s

most fan-driven honors. With more than 90,000 passionate viewers casting their votes, this year’s ceremony proved once again

that Britain’s soaps remain the beating heart of primetime drama.

When the dust settled, Coronation Street and EastEnders emerged as the undisputed champions of the night, each taking home five glittering awards. It was an evening that not only celebrated powerhouse performances and gripping storylines but also highlighted the immense cultural influence these long-running series continue to hold.

Coronation Street’s Victorious Streak

For the second year running, Coronation Street clinched the prestigious Best Soap title, cementing its place at the very top of British television. The accolade marked yet another milestone in the soap’s storied history, proving that its blend of emotional resonance, dark drama, and character-driven storytelling continues to captivate viewers week after week.

The cobbles of Weatherfield have been home to some of the most compelling arcs in recent memory, and this year’s recognition reflected that. Among the standout wins:

• Best Actress went to Alison King, whose portrayal of Carla Connor has long been a fan favorite. King’s layered performance this year—balancing strength, vulnerability, and determination—reminded audiences why Carla remains a cornerstone of the soap.
• Best Partnership was awarded to Alison King and Vicky Meyers for their dynamic as Carla and Lisa. Known affectionately by fans as “Swalla,” the duo has brought an unshakable bond, chemistry, and emotional depth that resonated across multiple storylines.
• Best Comic Performance went to Jack P. Shepherd for his comedic yet heartfelt turn as David Platt, proving once again his ability to balance humor with poignancy.
• The coveted Best Storyline prize honored the harrowing arc of Mason’s death and Abi’s PTSD—a narrative that pushed the boundaries of soap storytelling, delving deep into grief, trauma, and resilience.

Inside Soap editor Sarah Ellis praised Coronation Street’s success, noting:

“It’s been an incredible year of drama, and the results in our Best Soap category were the closest they’ve ever been. Corrie’s win tops off a stellar year, no doubt helped by the enormous popularity of Alison King and Vicky Meyers as Carla and Lisa.”

This recognition underscores how Coronation Street has managed to balance hard-hitting emotional storylines with moments of humor and hope, ensuring its continued reign at the top.

EastEnders: A Night of Power and Emotion

If Coronation Street dominated with consistency, EastEnders delivered in sheer emotional force. The BBC soap took home five major awards, reinforcing its reputation as a show unafraid to tackle raw, socially relevant issues.

• Best Actor was awarded to Steve McFadden, whose portrayal of Phil Mitchell in a mental health-focused storyline moved viewers across the nation. McFadden’s nuanced performance, exposing Phil’s struggles behind his tough exterior, earned widespread acclaim.
• Heather Peace won the evening’s most prestigious individual honor, Soap Superstar of the Year, for her groundbreaking portrayal of Eve Panesar Unwin. Peace’s performance was hailed by Inside Soap readers as “courageous and inspiring,” with many calling her character a northern powerhouse who consistently champions justice and resilience.
• Best Newcomer went to Laura Dodington for her gripping debut as Nicola Mitchell, whose arrival shook up Albert Square and left audiences eager for what’s to come.
• Best Villain was awarded to Navin Chowdhry for the second consecutive year, cementing his place as one of EastEnders’ most chilling antagonists.
• The night’s emotional high point came with James Bye’s win for Best Exit, following his character Martin Fowler’s death in the landmark 40th anniversary live episode—a moment that sent shockwaves through viewers and cast alike.

Heather Peace’s victory was particularly symbolic, representing how EastEnders continues to elevate powerful female characters and amplify important social conversations.

Emmerdale Holds Its Own

While Coronation Street and EastEnders dominated the headlines, Emmerdale proudly took home three significant awards, proving its loyal fan base is as strong as ever.

• The Dingle family was crowned Best Family for the fifth time, a testament to the clan’s enduring appeal and chaotic, heartfelt storylines.
• Amelia Flanigan won Best Young Performer, highlighting the rising stars shaping the soap’s future.
• And in a moment that still lingers in fans’ minds, Emmerdale scooped Best Showstopper for the devastating limo crash, a sequence that showcased the soap’s cinematic ambition and emotional intensity.

Special Recognition: Legends Honored

Beyond the fierce competition, the evening also paused to honor the legends of the soap world.

• Nick Pickard, who has portrayed Tony Hutchinson in Hollyoaks for three decades, received a Special Recognition Award for his extraordinary contribution to the genre. His longevity and dedication serve as a shining example of soap’s enduring power.
• The cast and crew of Neighbours were celebrated for their remarkable 40-year legacy, as fans prepare to bid farewell to the beloved Australian soap this December. The tribute was a bittersweet reminder of the genre’s global impact.

What the Results Mean for Soap Fans

Editor Sarah Ellis summed up the spirit of the night perfectly:

“All of the soaps have shone brightly in 2025. The fact that this year’s trophies are so evenly spread just goes to show what a strong year the whole genre is having. It really bodes well for the future of our soaps, especially as we gear up for the big Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover at the start of 2026. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a soap fan.”

Her words capture the heart of what makes the Inside Soap Awards so special: these aren’t just accolades handed out by critics—they are chosen entirely by the viewers, the fans who live and breathe these stories, who cry with their favorite characters, and who cheer when justice is served on-screen.

With rivalries intensifying, storytelling reaching new heights, and iconic characters continuing to evolve, the Inside Soap Awards 2025 felt less like a ceremony and more like a rallying cry for the future of the genre.

The Legacy of the 2025 Awards

As the lights dimmed on the awards ceremony, one thing became crystal clear: soaps are not just surviving—they are thriving. From Weatherfield’s gritty realism to Albert Square’s fiery conflicts, and from Emmerdale’s sweeping countryside sagas to the enduring warmth of Neighbours and Hollyoaks, the genre continues to redefine itself for a new generation of viewers.

The big wins for Coronation Street and EastEnders signal a bold new chapter, where competition fuels creativity and fan engagement drives storytelling innovation. With 2026 promising even more explosive crossovers, shocking exits, and emotional returns, the stage is set for another unforgettable year in soap history.

And if the 90,000 fans who cast their votes this year are any indication, the loyalty and passion for these shows are stronger than ever.

The Inside Soap Awards 2025 didn’t just crown winners—it reminded us why soaps remain Britain’s greatest shared obsession.